Bell has reported a significant increase in incidents of copper wire theft affecting its telecommunications infrastructure in 2026, leading to potential disruptions in phone and internet services. The company documented a total of 993 cases of copper theft and vandalism between January and June, marking a 78% rise compared to the previous year for the same period.
The majority of these thefts occurred in Ontario and New Brunswick, with these provinces contributing to about 85% of the overall uptick in theft incidents. Specifically, areas like Hamilton, Niagara, and Milton in Ontario experienced the highest number of thefts, while New Brunswick saw a notable 235% increase in thefts from the previous year.
David Joice, Bell’s director of national network operations, explained that thieves typically target copper wire from telephone and telecommunication poles, especially during nighttime or in rural locations with fewer observers. The demand for copper has surged due to the increasing electrification globally, driven by factors such as the expansion of data centers and the production of electric vehicles.
Gary Dvorkin, the owner of Peel Scrap Metal in Oakville, Ontario, highlighted that the extraction of new copper has not kept pace with demand, resulting in elevated metal prices. His business now handles eight to ten truckloads of copper monthly, a volume that has consistently grown over time. Despite the financial incentives for thieves due to high copper prices, Bell emphasized that the value of the metal is insignificant compared to the disruptions caused by thefts.
Bell emphasized that copper thefts can lead to service outages affecting phone, internet, and TV services, potentially jeopardizing access to emergency services and posing public safety risks. The company stressed the need for collaborative efforts among telecommunication providers, governments, law enforcement agencies, recyclers, and communities to combat these criminal activities and safeguard critical networks.
To counter the rise in theft incidents, Bell has implemented various preventive measures, including enhanced alarm systems linked to law enforcement, increased ground surveillance, and legal actions against suspected thieves. Moreover, the company is in the process of transitioning from copper wire to more secure fiber-optic cables. The number of arrests related to copper theft has also increased by 32% in the first half of the year, reflecting ongoing enforcement initiatives.
Recent justice reform legislation grants judges the authority to consider aggravating factors, such as infrastructure damage, when sentencing individuals involved in crimes like copper theft. This legal development aligns with efforts to deter thefts and protect essential telecommunications networks.